Research Center Identifies Pathway for Treatment of Mesothelioma
In a recent press release, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute of Detroit (MI) announced “significant scientific findings that could lead to better treatment and therapies for cancer patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma.â€
Scientists at Karmanos recently presented their research at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Los Angeles, CA.
“We are getting closer and closer to making an impact on this insidious disease,” said Anil Wali, Ph.D., an associate professor with Karmanos, who led a group of cross-collaborative researchers in studying the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic (UPP) pathway regulatory proteins.
Their study demonstrated that “protein ubiquitination and degradation are critical players in the spread of mesothelioma.†After studying 241 genes involved in the UPP pathway, Wali’s group “determined 33 genes were differentially expressed among epithelioid and biphasic histotypes.â€
“We have already reported earlier detection biomarkers that can be utilized in assessing the high risk groups of patients,” Dr. Wali said. “Now, if we can develop a therapy to target this pathway, we will be one step closer to halting this disease.”
The Karmanos Institute has long been involved in the research of new treatments and potential cures for this deadly disease. Just a few years ago, they coupled with Wayne State University’s Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine to create the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos Related Cancers. The center is dedicated to addressing ways to diagnosis the disease in its earlier stages and strives to find more aggressive ways to fight mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
This most recent study received funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
